CLEVELAND – After helping the Cleveland State softball program to a conference opening-sweep and a share of first place in the Horizon, Melissa Holzopfel was named the Horizon League Pitcher of the Week for the second time this season after another stellar week in the circle. 

The freshman went a perfect 2-0 against IUPUI this week with two complete-game gems. She recorded 24 strikeouts to just eight hits and a single earned run over 17 innings pitched.

With the standout performance, the Massillon, Ohio native leads the Horizon with 92 strikeouts and ranks second in the league with six complete games already on the young season.

"Melissa threw well this weekend and her team had her back," head softball coach Amy Kyler said. "This award speaks to her outstanding performance, along with the great series by the team against IUPUI. This honor is truly a team award with how well the girls played to start conference play."

The Vikings will return home for their first home-series of the season as CSU plays host to conference rival Purdue Fort Wayne for a single-game on Friday, March 18, followed by a doubleheader on Saturday, March 19. Friday's Horizon League contest is set for a 3 PM ET start, while Saturday will feature first pitches of 1 PM and 3 PM.  

Tickets to all three home games are free of charge.

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